DWS Evaluates Employment, Job Projection Data

The highest paying occupations in Utah through 2014 will require post high school or university educations, while the sector creating the most employment opportunities statewide will offer lowest wages,.

The Utah Department of Workforce Services recently released the agency's projections on jobs at locations across the state through 2014.

DWS economists use computer models and professional expertise to predict the growth rate along with numbers of expected annual job openings in Utah for hundreds of occupations, based on current employment trends and projections of industry expansion.

"The current set of occupational projections reinforce what is true today: education pays. Those willing to invest in education and training for occupations that are projected to show high demand can expect to receive the best wages. In addition, higher education correlates with lower unemployment rates. In other words, to get a high paying job, invest in training and education. To suffer less unemployment, invest in training and education," explained Lecia Langston, DWS economist.

The employment projections provide information for people attempting to enter the workforce or considering a change in careers.

The data compiled by the department of workforce services reflect the demand Utah employers are expected to have for occupations.

Several of the best employment opportunities will be in the health care sector along with computer and technology fields.

The data suggest that jobs with the best employment outlook and wages in the future will require additional education after high school and/or substantial on-the-job training. The share of labor market positions requiring a bachelor's degree or higher will continue to expand, pointed out the department of workforce services.

Lower paying industries are among the sectors projected by the department of workforce services to create the most job openings statewide through 2014.

Occupations in health care will also show faster than average growth.

Despite a short-term decline in technology industries, computer-related occupations will be among the fastest growing occupations in the long term through 2014, noted the department of workforce services.